Root Canal Therapy

Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy, also known as endodontic treatment, is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection. In order to save the tooth, the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and any decay are removed and the resulting space is filled with special, medicated, dental materials, which restore the tooth to its full function.

Having a root canal done on a tooth is the treatment of choice to save a tooth that otherwise would die and have to be removed. Many patients believe that removing a tooth that has problems is the solution, but what is not realized is that extracting (pulling) a tooth will ultimately be more costly and cause significant problems for adjacent teeth.

Our root canal treatment in Toorak is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime, although on occasion, a tooth will have to be retreated due to new infections.

Signs and symptoms for possible root canal therapy:

Some common signs that a tooth may require endodontic treatment in Toorak include:

• An abscess (or pimple) on the gums

• Sensitivity to hot and cold

• Severe toothache pain

• Sometimes no symptoms are present

• Swelling and/or tenderness

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, we recommend booking a dental appointment as soon as possible. Early intervention can prevent complications and save your tooth.

Reasons for root canal therapy:

• Decay has reached the tooth pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth)
• Infection or abscess have developed inside the tooth or at the root tip
• Injury or trauma to the tooth

Our Root Canal Procedure

A root canal procedure requires one or more appointments and can be performed by our Toorak dentist.

While the tooth is numb, a rubber dam (a sheet of rubber) will be placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free of saliva. An access opening is made on top of the tooth and a series of root canal files are placed into the opening, one at a time, removing the pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria. If tooth decay is present, it will also be removed with special dental instruments.

Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it will be sealed with either a permanent filling or, if additional appointments are needed, a temporary filling will be placed.

At the next appointment, usually a week later, the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth will be filled and sealed with special dental materials. A filling will be placed to cover the opening on top of the tooth. In addition, all teeth that have root canal treatment should have a crown (cap) placed. This will protect the tooth and prevent it from breaking, and restore it to its full function.

After treatment, your tooth may still be sensitive, but this will subside as the inflammation diminishes and the tooth has healed.

You will be given care instructions after each appointment. Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your root canal treatment.

You are welcome to read more about the process at the NHS Root Canals webpage.

Book Your Dental Appointment Today

If you’re in pain or suspect an infection, don’t wait — early treatment can save your tooth and protect your smile. Our gentle, caring Toorak dentist team will guide you through every step with compassion and precision. Call us or book today!